08/11/2026
Salvador com chuva

What to do in Salvador when it rains: places to enjoy in the city.

What to do in Salvador when it rains? This is a question some people ask me. on the blog's Instagram When the weather forecast indicates that the days will be rainy. After all, the capital of Bahia is known for its open-air tourist attractions.

But it's possible to grab your umbrella or raincoat and still stroll around the city. So, read this text to the end and then share it with your friends who need these tips.

Options for rainy days in Salvador

  • City of Music of Bahia
  • Model Market
  • Pelourinho
  • Glauber Rocha Cinema
  • Cultural Box
  • Nautical Museum at Barra Lighthouse
  • House on the Red River
  • Church of Senhor do Bonfim
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Solar do Unhão

Find out how to plan your trip to each of these places.

Good places to visit in Salvador when it rains.

City of Music of Bahia and Mercado Modelo

This pair is located in the Comércio district and is next to the Lacerda Elevator. Therefore, it's a very interesting option, especially if you're visiting Salvador.

The City of Music has three floors with diverse interactive exhibits to learn more about Salvador's artists and musical scene. In addition, there's a short percussion lesson to get you in the city's atmosphere. There's also a video. on my channel For you to check out.

Afterwards, it's worth stopping by the Mercado Modelo. Despite the renovations being carried out there, it remains open for business.

Pelourinho

At first glance, it doesn't seem like a place to go when it rains. After all, many videos showcase the beauty of the place outdoors. But there you can visit... Carnival House, which on Wednesdays has free entry. It operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets cost R$ 20 (full price, but residents of Salvador, students, and seniors pay half price).

In addition to Foundation Jorge Amado's House which is entirely dedicated to the works of the Bahian master. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. In this area, be careful with the floor, which tends to be more slippery when wet. Therefore, it is advisable to wear closed shoes.

If there's time, it's still worth stopping by. Benin House. It operates from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm. In addition, it also has... Udo Knoff Museum. Entry is free and it is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm.

Glauber Rocha Cinema

Located in Castro Alves Square, it's a great option for watching a mainstream film or some art-house films. It's open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Cultural Box

It's a place that hosts exhibitions and admission is free. Since it's located on Carlos Gomes Street, very close to the Glauber Rocha Cinema, you can stop by after watching a movie. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

There are usually two exhibitions shown simultaneously. Occasionally, there are special presentations.

Nautical Museum at Barra Lighthouse

Many people walk past the Barra Lighthouse and don't know what's inside the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort, which is the full name of the place. And they also don't know that it's possible to climb the tower and admire the view from up there.

The entrance fee is R$ 15, but for those living in Salvador it's only R$ 5. Therefore, you just need to present proof of residence. If you were born here, your identity card or driver's license is sufficient.

You'll have access to the gift shop, the museum, and can go all the way up there. If you prefer, follow the route I took in the video below.

House on the Red River

Besides the foundation in Pelourinho, there is also the house of Jorge Amado and Zelia Gattai in Rio Vermelho. Visiting their residence is very interesting, as it gives you the opportunity to learn more about them.

Church of Senhor do Bonfim

One of the city's most famous postcards can be an option for Salvador on a rainy day, but there are days like the washing ceremony or the first and last Fridays of the month when there are larger crowds. Therefore, in these cases, there is a risk of being outdoors, but nothing that an umbrella can't help with.

Inside, you can visit the cathedral and other parts of the church. Additionally, there are some bars and restaurants nearby that are worth stopping by for lunch.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Also known as the Rodin Museum, although much of the area is open-air, there is the Mario Cravo Jr. hall which always has some kind of exhibition. Afterwards, it's possible to do a tour inside the mansion and learn more about the property.

Solar do Unhão

Like the previous option, it has a large open area, but it also features a church that displays works of art, a hall with exhibitions, and a cinema that is part of the art circuit. The cinema and café are open Monday to Sunday from 1 pm to 8 pm, and the exhibitions are open Tuesday to Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm.

Other options for visiting Salvador when it rains?

The tips listed are for those who don't want to go to shopping malls. But lately, Shopping da Bahia and Salvador Shopping offer many options for those who really don't want to worry about getting wet.

So, these are my suggestions for those who don't want to stay home when it's raining in Salvador and are looking for something to do even in this kind of weather. I know there are many options. Therefore, I want you to leave your suggestions in the comments to help improve this list.

Now I invite you. to continue on the blog and read more about the capital of Bahia.